Notes

The Tutsi community has a longstanding tradition of being the primary practitioners of basket weaving in Rwanda. Traditionally, Tutsi women, due to their generally privileged position, have been actively involved in this craft. They dedicated considerable time and patience to create intricate baskets that adorned Tutsi homes with an array of vibrant colors and contrasting patterns, transforming domestic interiors from floor to ceiling. ¹

Unfortunately, the art of basket weaving experienced a decline following the Hutu revolution. This period of upheaval had a significant impact on the once-thriving tradition, resulting in a setback in the production of Tutsi basketry. ²

Literature

¹ Yaëlle Biro (2000) 'Tutsi Basketry', in Heilbrunn Timeline of Art History. New York: The Metropolitan Museum of Art.

² Georges Celis (1970) 'The Decorative Arts in Rwanda and Burundi', African Arts, vol. 4, no. 1, pages 41–42.